Hayley and Jade Kitching win gold at the Australian Track and Field Championship

The Kitching family are no stranger to a gold medal. Hayley and Jade are leading the next generation of superstar runners, straight out of Coffs Harbour. See how their parents have propelled their successful careers.

Hayley Kitching will be representing Coffs and Australia later this year in Colombia after an exceptional run at the Australian track and Field Championships.

She finished with an impressive 2:04.80 time at the 800m final and at only 17, she is pushing well above her age bracket, easily taking the win against older girls.

Indeed, the entire Kitching family are pushing above their weight.

Hayley Kitching convincingly won at the Women's U20 800m FinalNSW, securing a place in Colombia. Picture: Julian Andrews

Parents Tim and Heather Kitching met in 1960 when they were on the same track team together in Mount St Mary's University, Maryland.

As fate had it, the two fell in love at age 22. They were married two years later.

Tim Kitching represented Australia in the junior Australian national team for running.

Heather holds five records for The Mount (university) and is one of three Mount University women to qualify for NCAA Track and Field Championships.

Stars in their time, Heather and Tim Kitching are now passing the baton onto their kids, Jade and Hayley. Picture: supplied

Their 2 children, Hayley, 17, and Jade “Buzz”, 15, are now building on their legacy.

“We put them in every sport – swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer – we would’ve supported anything,” Heather Kitching said.

However, the kids were destined to end up on the track after realising their passion and potential.

When Hayley was in Year 7, she asked her dad to train her to become a cross-country athlete.

“Her progression has been really nice and gradual – each year getting stronger and dropping time,” Mrs Kitching said.

Mrs Kitching described it as a “perfect” progression, through hard work and coaching from her father Tim.

Representing Coffs Harbour and Australia, Hayley and Jade Kitching are destined for great things. Picture: Heather Kitching

Balancing fathering and coaching, he’s put being a supportive dad first.

“We can chat about running all day,” Hayley said.

She said having her Dad as her coach has been “awesome”, embracing the unique opportunity to be coached by her idol.

“I know he really cares about me,” she said.

“He’s so supportive and willing to do anything, he wants me to do well both as his daughter and as an athlete.”

Hayley Kitching secured gold after comfortably winning the 800m final with a time of 2:04.80.

Mr Kitching has immersed himself in the Coffs Harbour running scene, coaching other local athletes.

For Hayley, she’s had to balance Year 12 studies with her track and field efforts.

But Mrs Kitching said her dedication and work ethic have helped her become a strong athlete and student.

“She’s very diligent, disciplined and determined and that helps her academically,” she said.

Mrs Kitching described it as a “full circle” with her daughter now back at the State she spent so many of her years.

A family that train together and motivate each other, the Kitching’s are a team.

Coffs Harbour was the ideal location for the kids to grow and mature as athletes.

“We love the laid-back lifestyle. There’s less pressure on kids here than in America,” she said.

Not to be overshadowed by his sister, Jade won the 800m/1500m U17 double.

“Buzz likes Hollywood finishes!” Mrs Kitching said.

His blitzing final spring in the 800m saw him take out the win with a PB of 1.54.79, winning by .05 of a second.

“Buzz” had his parents hearts racing, after winning the 1500m by .05 of a second.

Hayley will be moving to America in January, and is keenly awaiting the opportunity.

“It's something I’ve wanted forever,” she said.

She said training and growing up in Coffs Harbour motivated her to compete with runners from big cities.

A high achieving student, Hayley is hoping to work in public health – if she’s not busy representing Australia at the Olympics.